Management Issues Research Articles

Lending business models and FinTechs efficiency

The aim of the study is to analyse which managerial issues can be considered the main efficiency drivers for all Italian FinTechs engaged in lending. We measure their efficiency in the period 2020–2022 via Stochastic Data Envelopment Analysis. The main determinants seem to be ROA and cost-to-income ratio; this means that the ability to control both the business risk level and costs is crucial for FinTechs’ managers and other players interested in M&A deals in this industry. The results are useful for FinTechs, other financial players, regulators and supervisors in defining homogeneous rules in the lending sector.

Management of respiratory issues in patients with Rett syndrome: Italian experts' consensus using a Delphi approach.

Despite the publication of the 2020 guidelines on how to manage Rett Syndrome (RS), some fundamental topics are still open, in particular respiratory problems. Identification and reinforcement of current recommendations concerning the management of respiratory issues in RS patients. Using a Delphi approach, the leading group reviewed the literature and formulated 14 statements. A multidisciplinary panel of 29 experts were invited to score, for each statement, their agreement on a 1-5 scale. The cut-off level for consensus was 75%, obtained through multiple rounds. The panel agreed that in all RS types, respiratory issues should be faced at an early stage, regardless of epilepsy onset. It is recommended to perform periodically sleep studies in all Congenital Rett Syndrome,and in selected cases with other RS types. Noninvasive ventilationshould be considered in all RS subjects with sleep respiratory disorders and in those with hypotonia associated with hypercapnia. Chest physiotherapy should be performed in all RS patients with difficult management of the accumulation of respiratory secretions, using airway clearance techniques and devices (PEP-mask, AMBU bag, or cough machine), more appropriateand tolerated by the patients. The panel recommended individualized programs for the management of scoliosis, and to consider performing gastrostomyin patients at increased risk of ab ingestis pneumonia. This consensus could support everyday clinical practice on respiratory issues in RS patients, complementary to existing recommendations by regulatory agencies and guidelines.

Firm age, size, and firm-level job creation and destruction

This study examines the effects of firm age and size on job creation and destruction of existing firms, using large-scale panel data from Japan. It contributes to the literature by examining the effects on firm-level job creation and destruction, differing from previous studies which focused on net employment growth (i.e., the difference between job creation and destruction for each firm) or job creation/ destruction on aggregated level (calculated by aggregating net employment increases/decreases of firms or plants). Results show that for an individual firm, age has significantly negative effects on the firm's job creation and destruction; however, size has a significantly negative effect on the firm's job creation but a significantly positive effect on its job destruction. Particular firm groups and different business cycles are further examined. The findings suggest that policy and managerial issues differ between a firm's expansion and aging.

Prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients with stage IV periodontitis

Stage IV Periodontitis is characterized by complex symptoms, including the loss of teeth, occlusal instability/collapse, ridge defects and increased tooth mobility. The management of such issues requires interdisciplinary collaboration to optimise outcomes. This article outlines the key guidelines from the recent EFP clinical practice guidelines on the efficacy of prosthodontic rehabilitation (fixed/removable) in the management of these complex patients. CPD/Clinical Relevance: An understanding of the clinical decision making when considering tooth replacement options in stage IV periodontitis patients is important.

Integrating Tehran metropolitan air pollution into the current transport system and sprawl growth: an emphasis on urban performance and accessibility

Air pollution is one of the most challenging issues for urban environment and environmental management. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of Tehran metropolitan's performance and accessibility on urban transportation and air pollution as sprawl grows. Tehran, with a population of 15.98 million people, has many environmental issues, including air pollution. Secondary data were collected from the Tehran Air Quality Control Company as well as Landsat satellite imagery (OLI). The raw data of intra-city and suburban traffic counts for spatial analysis of movements, combined with the raw data of measuring stations, were then used as a sample in the ArcGIS software environment for three selected days in 2013, 2014, and 2016. Following geometric and radiometric correction, programming methods and a multivariate regression algorithm were applied to the images, yielding results in the form of additional stations. According to the results obtained (about 3.29 m) root-mean-square error (RMSE), the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) model was used in air pollution maps for better assessment. The findings suggest that Tehran is not the only source of air pollution and that TMA performance and accessibility play a significant role in the amount of air pollution. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation (more than 75%) between air pollution maps and transportation flow maps on specific days (February 23, 2013, February 26, 2015, and December 28, 2016). Finally, the analysis of this situation in three circles showed that the highest volume of traffic was done in the city of Tehran (CBD), suburban area (Suburban), and suburban area (Exurban), respectively, and the pattern of distribution and spatial accumulation of pollution has also been a function of this situation.

Personalized Health Recommendation System using Machine Learning

Abstract: The core objective of the project is to develop a health website capable of harnessing individual health data to generate personalized health recommendations, fostering early detection and more effective management of health issues. Utilizing Machine Learning (ML), the team aims to predict diseases like arrhythmia, Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Stroke, pivotal for early intervention and adapting diagnosis strategies. In their approach, ML algorithms, including Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Voting classifier, analyze diverse health data sources to build a comprehensive recommendation system. It is noteworthy that all models exhibit an accuracy exceeding 90%, which underscores the reliability and effectiveness of the system. By seamlessly integrating various health data sources and emphasizing proactive health management, this initiative holds transformative potential, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being and promoting improved health outcomes.

Management of Khilaf Issues in Malaysia: Selected Case Analysis

Management of Khilaf Issues in Malaysia: Selected Case Analysis

Back in the Driver’s Seat: How New EU Greenhouse-Gas Reporting Schemes Challenge Corporate Accounting

Greenhouse-gas (GHG) reporting schemes for companies are increasingly part of climate-mitigation policies worldwide. Notably, the European Green Deal (2019) boosts new public regulations that oblige companies to compile GHG emission inventories, i.e., account for their emissions in a given system boundary. Along with this boost, the workload for companies increases; at the same time, the quality of reporting is questioned. Given the overarching goal to improve companies’ climate-mitigation performance, the quality of reporting is inseparably connected to the quality of the respective accounting. However, the literature discusses carbon accounting as a universal umbrella term focusing on managerial issues, thus disregarding the crucial role of accounting methodologies in the sense of calculation approaches. In this publication, we apply an analytical approach introducing a clear differentiation between the task of quantitatively accounting for GHG inventories and the task of reporting results from calculated inventories in response to stakeholder or policy expectations. We use this approach to investigate European GHG reporting schemes and related GHG accounting methodologies in detail. Our findings indicate that the current phase of the European Green Deal depicts a quantitative growth in reporting schemes and a significant qualitative change by shifting from formerly voluntary to mandatory reporting schemes, along with the application of accounting methodologies originally not intended for politically compulsory purposes. We analyze the consequences of this shift, which poses new challenges for companies and policymakers, i.e., data-management concepts and refined methodological frameworks.

Implementation of The State Border Area Development Policy In Aruk Sambas District West Kalimantan Province

The phenomenon that becomes the object of research is the implementation of the state border area development policy in Aruk, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province. This research aims to analyze the implementation of the state border area development policy in Aruk, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province and formulate a state border area development model in Aruk, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province. The research method used a descriptive qualitative approach. The determination of research informants was carried out through the snowball technique. The results showed that the management of strategic issues in the state border area until now lacks the active role of Ministries/ Institutions and Local Governments. The implementation of development by K/L is still concerned with sectoral ego, this can be evidenced by the large disparity between the Implementation of the BWN-KP Management Master Plan 2020-2024 with programs/activities and budgets of Ministries/Institutions that have been committed to the implementation of development in state border areas in priority location sub-districts, PKSN, PLBN and PPK. Referring to the above, the activities of the Aruk PLBN Border Area Development of Sambas Regency are still categorized as not optimal. Supporting and inhibiting factors for the development of the Aruk PLBN area include the Aruk PLBN Management Resource Factor, the Human Resources Competency Factor, the Information and Technology Support Factor and the Aruk PLBN Management Positive Attitude Factor. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors of development at PLBN Aruk Sambas Regency include Communication Factors, Infrastructure Factors and Bureaucratic Factors. The development model of border area development of PLBN Aruk Sambas Regency is the institutional development of the Border Management Agency consisting of institutional authority, institutional structure, institutional personnel, and institutional administrative resource management

P077 The Yorkshire Bone Network- why every region needs a Bone Network!

Abstract Background/Aims The Yorkshire Bone Network (YBN) was formalised in 2019, from a founding group of Yorkshire clinicians with a special interest in osteoporosis, meeting every four months since 1994 to discuss new drugs as they were licensed, the research underpinning them, complex clinical cases and educational topics in osteoporosis. This group was formalised into a Network in order to expand the membership and invite contributions from an increased range of specialists from different disciplines and Trusts across Yorkshire. Further aims were to reach consensus on the management of key osteoporosis issues across Yorkshire and deliver Regional guidelines. Methods The YBN now has 35 members from Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Metabolic Bone and Elderly Medicine departments from 12 different Trusts across Yorkshire. Meetings are four-monthly, continuing on Zoom during the pandemic, and now in-person again. Each meeting involves discussion of complex clinical osteoporosis cases for management decisions, alongside an educational or guidelines development session, delivered by a member of the Network or an invited guest speaker. Results We have: Agreed a consensus statement on the use of Romosozumab in Yorkshire, specifically covering cardiovascular screening for potential patients. This has given clinicians confidence in identifying appropriate patients and prescribing this new drug. This should also ensure equity of drug access to patients across the region, who are being assessed using the same framework. We have written guidelines on the role of bone densitometry in patients with coeliac disease. This has been provided to local Gastroenterologists, with the aim of reducing unnecessary bone densitometry referrals, reducing the burden on patients and radiology departments. We have provided regional recommendations for the early (before 14 days) administration of IV zoledronate for inpatients post fractured neck of femur, avoiding discharge prior to treatment. This has been adopted and is being audited to assess impact in one of our District General Hospitals. We have provided educational sessions on bone turnover markers, FRAXPlus, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and renal bone disease. Conclusion The Yorkshire Bone Network is an excellent example of collaborative working. It is a valuable forum for clinical decision making for complex patients across the region. It has allowed the development of guidelines and consensus statements which are in clinical use, thus minimising variation in patient care across the region and improving clinician confidence. It continues to be an enjoyable way of forming new links between colleagues both within our own Trusts and across the region, with new members joining each year. Time is needed to co-ordinate the meetings, provide minutes and liaise with colleagues but the benefits far outweigh the effort! We would strongly recommend the formation of similar networks across the UK, given the benefits to both patients and clinicians. Disclosure C.Y.J. Vandevelde: None. S. Sultan: None. L. Hordon: None.

Development of Online Training Modules on Dementia Care at Home for Family Caregivers

Introduction To improve the quality of care and reduce the negative effects of caregiving, modules that address the needs of caregivers must be developed. There hasn't been much progress in Indonesia in creating online training programs for dementia care at home. Objective This study aims to develop online training modules on dementia care at home that are especially suited to the needs of family caregivers. Methods The modules were developed using the Sidek Module Development Model (SMDM), which consisted of two stages: [a] developing the module drafts and [b] testing and evaluating the modules. The study involved semi-structured in-depth interviews with fifteen family caregivers caring for older adults with dementia that focused on [i] existing problems and challenges that family caregivers face in caring for older adults with dementia, [ii] the needs of family caregivers in caring for older adults with dementia and self-care, and [iii] strategies to meet those needs. The interview results were analyzed using the collaizi method. Results Seven modules were developed based on the family needs in this study, including aging processes in older adults, dementia and its impact, communication adapted to the older adults’ condition, management of issues arising in older adults with dementia, becoming resilient family caregivers, addressing issues faced by family caregivers, and self-help groups. The module content validity scores ranged between 90.73% and 94.73% based on the respective aspects of the modules, with an overall content validity score of 92.79%. Conclusion The findings suggest that the online training modules on dementia care at home for family caregivers are appropriate and applicable for online training programs aimed to improve the knowledge and abilities of caregivers in providing self-care and care for older adults with dementia.

Human Cord Blood Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Pregnancy Complications (Preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and Fetal Growth Restriction).

Hemangioblasts give rise to endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which also express the cell surface markers CD133 and c-kit. They may differentiate into the outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) that control neovascularization in the developing embryo. According to numerous studies, reduced levels of EPCs in circulation have been linked to human cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, preeclampsia and senescence have been linked to levels of EPCs produced from cord blood. Uncertainties surround how preeclampsia affects the way EPCs function. It is reasonable to speculate that preeclampsia may have an impact on the function of fetal EPCs during the in utero period; however, the present literature suggests that maternal vasculopathies, including preeclampsia, damage fetal circulation. Additionally, the differentiation potential and general activity of EPCs may serve as an indicator of the health of the fetal vascular system as they promote neovascularization and repair during pregnancy. Thus, the purpose of this review is to compare-through the assessment of their quantity, differentiation potency, angiogenic activity, and senescence-the angiogenic function of fetal EPCs obtained from cord blood for normal and pregnancy problems (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and fetal growth restriction). This will shed light on the relationship between the angiogenic function of fetal EPCs and pregnancy complications, which could have an effect on the management of long-term health issues like metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in offspring with abnormal vasculature development.

Effectiveness of applying auricular acupressure to treat insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundInsomnia affects the quality of life of a significant number of individuals worldwide. Despite the fact that pharmaceutical sleep treatments have shown brief enhancements in sleep quality, these are still not recommended for the long-term management of sleep issues. To deal with this problem, our study aims to assess the effectiveness of auricular acupressure for treating insomnia by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodData from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of auricular acupressure for insomnia was collected from five English-language databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and CINAHL) and four Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang). Relevant data were extracted by two reviewers. I2 statistics were adopted to appraise heterogeneity. A network meta-analysis was applied to compare the effect of auricular acupressure with other methods.ResultIn all, 23 RCTs involving a total of 1,689 patients were included. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score for the intervention group compared to the control group [SMD = −1.30, 95% CI (−1.65, −0.96), I2 = 90%]. Furthermore, the group receiving auricular acupressure in addition to usual care showed a lower PSQI score compared to the usual care group [SMD = −1.13, 95% CI (−1.33, −0.93), I2 = 23%]. Auricular acupressure was found to enhance the effectiveness of estazolam in improving PSQI score, with the combination of auricular acupressure and estazolam resulting in a lower PSQI score [MD = −4.8, 95% CI (−7.4, −2.1)]. Importantly, no serious adverse events were reported. In patients with insomnia following stroke, the intervention group (which received auricular acupressure) exhibited a lower PSQI score compared to the control group [SMD = −0.74, 95% CI (−1.03, −0.46), I2 = 0%]. Similarly, in patients with insomnia related to cancer, the intervention group (receiving auricular acupressure) demonstrated a lower PSQI score compared to the control group [SMD = −0.99, 95% CI (−1.37, −0.61), I2 = 0%].ConclusionThe effects of auricular acupressure on insomnia are comparable to those of estazolam. Furthermore, auricular acupressure can serve as a complementary treatment to estazolam or other interventions, effectively improving symptoms of insomnia.

Endocrine, auxological and metabolic profile in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: from infancy to the first steps into adult life.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder worldwide. Along with intellectual disability, endocrine disorders represent a remarkable share of the morbidities experienced by children, adolescents and young adults with DS. Auxological parameters are plotted on syndrome-specific charts, as growth rates are reduced compared to healthy age- and gender-matched peers. Furthermore, children with DS are at increased risk for thyroid dysfunctions, diabetes mellitus, osteopenia and obesity compared to general population. Additionally, male individuals with DS often show infertility, while women tend to experience menopause at an overall younger age than healthy controls. Given the recent outstanding improvements in the care of severe DS-related comorbidities, infant mortality has dramatically decreased, with a current average life expectancy exceeding 60 years. Accordingly, the awareness of the specificities of DS in this field is pivotal to timely detect endocrine dysfunctions and to undertake a prompt dedicated treatment. Notably, best practices for the screening and monitoring of pediatric endocrine disorders in DS are still controversial. In addition, specific guidelines for the management of metabolic issues along the challenging period of transitioning from pediatric to adult health care are lacking. By performing a review of published literature, we highlighted the issues specifically involving children and adolescent with DS, aiming at providing clinicians with a detailed up-to-date overview of the endocrine, metabolic and auxological disorders in this selected population, with an additional focus on the management of patients in the critical phase of the transitioning from childhood to adult care.

Fire and geodiversity

Geodiversity elements contribute significantly to local and global hydrological, biogeochemical and ecosystem services and as such, fire is a potentially disruptive force with long-term implications. from limiting karstic speleothems formation, to compounding impacts of peat-fire-erosion cycles. Geodiversity elements additionally possess important cultural, aesthetic, and environmental values, including the support of ecosystem services. Hence, assessments of potential fire damage should consider implications for land users, society, and culture, alongside the geomorphic impacts on geodiversity elements. With a view to providing a concise set of descriptors of the response of geodiversity elements to fire, we qualify and in places, quantify, how fire may degrade geosystem function. Where possible, we highlight the influence of fire intensity and frequency gradients, and cumulative fire, in the deterioration of geodiversity values. Geoconservation is integral to protected areas with implications from fire effected geodiversity functions and values presenting issues for management, with potential consequences extending through to delisting, degazetting, and resizing of protected areas. Future research in reserve systems should concentrate on understanding the synergistic and compounding effects of fire on the geophysical landscape.

Insights of effectivity analysis of learning-based approaches towards software defect prediction

Software defect prediction is one of the essential sets of operation towards mitigating issues of risk management in software development known to contribute towards enhancing the quality of software. There is evolution of various methodologies towards resolving this issue while learning-based methodology is witnessed to be the most dominant contributor. The problem identified is that there are yet many unsolved queries associated with practical viability of such learning-based approach adoption in software quality management. Proposed approaches discussed in this paper contributes towards mitigating this challenge by introducing a simplified, compact, and crisp analysis of effectiveness associated with learning-based schemes. The paper presents its major findings of effectivity analysis of machine learning, deep learning, hybrid, and other miscellaneous approaches deployed for fault prediction followed by highlighting research trend. The major findings infer that feature selection, data imbalance, interpretability, and in adequate involvement of context are prime gaps in existing methods. The paper also contributes towards research gap as well as essential learning outcomes of present review work.

A system for anomaly detection in reverse logistics: an application into an e-commerce company

PurposeThis study aims to present a methodology and a system to support the technical and managerial issues involved in anomaly detection within the reverse logistics process of an e-commerce company.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is used to document the company’s experience, with interviews of key stakeholders and integration of obtained evidence with secondary data.FindingsThe paper presents an algorithm and a system to support a more efficient and smart management of reverse logistics based on a set of anticipatory actions, and continuous and automatic monitoring of returned goods. Improvements are described in terms of a number of key performance indicators.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis and the developed system need further applications and validations in other organizational contexts. However, the research presents a roadmap and a research agenda for the reverse logistics transformation in Industry 4.0, by also providing new insights to design a multidimensional performance dashboard for reverse logistics.Practical implicationsThe paper describes a replicable experience and provides checklists for implementing similar initiatives in the domain of reverse logistics, in the aim to increase the company’s performance along four key complementary dimensions, i.e. time savings, accuracy, completeness of data analysis and interpretation and cost efficiency.Originality/valueThe main novelty of the study stays in carrying out a classification of anomalies by type and product category, with related causes, and in proposing operational recommendations, including process monitoring and control indicators that can be included to design a reverse logistics performance dashboard.

Real World Prescribing: Use of Anti-Amyloid Antibodies in Clinical Practice

Anti-amyloid antibody therapy is now available for clinical use in MCI due to Alzheimer's disease and mild Alzheimer's dementia. This symposium will focus on clinical aspects of screening, prescribing and safety monitoring. The first talk will address patient eligibility and therapy implementation. The speaker will discuss disease staging and how to recognize neuroimaging abnormalities and concomitant medications that would exclude patient from eligibility. The speaker will explore use of CSF or amyloid PET to confirm amyloid pathology and use of ApoE genotyping to assess ARIA risk. There will be emphasis on ways to provide treatment specific education to patients and their care partners. Lastly, the speaker will demonstrate infusions orders and utilization of CMS registry for Medicare coverage.The second talk will move to management issues once a patient starts receiving antibody therapy, such as identifying and treating infusion reactions. Our neurologist speaker will define and review the edema and hemorrhage subtypes of Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA-E and ARIA-H respectively). The speaker will recommend MRI monitoring schedule and provide strategies to reduce risk and manage ARIA.The final talk will utilize case studies to demonstrate best practices. The speakers will share lessons learned from their collective expertise. The panel acknowledges two different providers on the care spectrum - one being a treating provider and one being a referring provider. Referring providers will learn to create a comprehensive referral, ensuring efficient treatment transition.At time of submission, there are pending issues relevant to this symposium. Commercial insurance and Medicare Advantage plans are currently clarifying their position on drug coverage and patient registry requirement. CMS has proposed a coverage pathway for amyloid PET scans, currently in an open-comment period. There could be an introduction of an AD blood test, but it is unclear if would be acceptable for pathology confirmation. The speakers will address these updates.

Effects of management strategies on the performance of street food vending in urban areas of Western Kenya

Street food (SF) vending is a common livelihood activity in many urban areas globally. It generates income for the vendors and contributes to the urban economy. However, the trade performs poorly due to the strategies used by urban authorities to manage the sector. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of urban management strategies on the performance of SF vending in Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia urban areas of Western Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was adopted for the study. Proportionate sampling and simple random sampling were used to select respondents in each urban area. A total of two hundred and twenty-four respondents were interviewed. Data was collected through questionnaires, observation checklists and photography. The questionnaire had a reliability Coefficient value of 0.781. Findings show that SF vendors were hardly engaged in decisions that affected them neither did they participate in formulation of rules governing their trade. Failure to observe the rules often led to conflict with enforcement officers. Lighting and waste collection were the only services provided appreciably while support in training, credit and registration were largely lacking. Authorities also charged levies which reduced the SF vendors’ earnings considerably. The strategies, therefore, contributed to the loss of SF vendors’ livelihood assets including their customers, finances, physical facilities and food stuffs. Loss of these assets contributed to the poor performance of the trade. It is recommended that urban authorities embrace an inclusive approach whereby vendors are engaged in urban management issues and their views considered in decision making processes.

The modernization of vessels for the river passenger transportation in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

The river passenger transportation (hereinafter referred to as RPT) in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) ensures the mobility of the population and maintains its status as a socially significant industry. Further development and improvement of the activities of river passenger transport should be associated, first of all, with its technical and technological modernization. Therefore, the issue of modernization of existing vessels of the RPT in Yakutia remains relevant. In order to update the RPT industry in the republic, it is necessary to develop a republic’s plan for the modernization of the RPT industry with the participation of a wide range of experts, and include them in the national development program for the Far East until 2035. The RPT should be integrated with the gas industry, a promising and successful one of the republic, subject to the transfer of the same economic and managerial issues of carriers from the state to the Russian corporate capital. In return, the RPTs should become new participants in the gas motor fuel market of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), take an active part in its formation and thereby receive an additional impetus for development on a new high-quality basis – gas fuel (LNG or LPG), and in fact, to enter a new segment for ourselves – the gas industry market. Similar projects are already being implemented in the transport industry, trucks, sea and river cargo transportation, rail transport in the Russian Federation and abroad, the next step is river passenger transportation and this step should be taken in Yakutia.